•Kenyan President and Former Prime Minister Unite for National Interests in Groundbreaking UDA-ODM Agreement
In a historic move aimed at fostering national unity and political reconciliation, President William Ruto has pledged to ensure that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga receives the respect and recognition he deserves for his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) on Friday during the signing of a framework agreement between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Ruto emphasized the importance of acknowledging Odinga’s profound influence across multiple generations.
A Tribute to Raila Odinga’s Legacy
Reflecting on their political journey—marked by rivalry and moments of alliance—President Ruto shared a personal account of his commitment to honoring Odinga’s legacy.
“Several months after the elections, I told him that he had been my party leader, and I wanted him to be treated with the dignity he deserves. I will do whatever it takes to ensure you have respect in Kenya. This is not about selfish interests; it is about recognizing the role you have played as my senior in politics and the contributions you have made to this country,” Ruto stated.
The President further expressed confidence that history would judge Odinga fairly, commending his dedication to Kenya’s democratic and governance reforms.
“My brother Raila Odinga, history is going to judge you fairly for what you have done for this nation,” Ruto remarked, highlighting Odinga’s sacrifices and political resilience over the years.
Beyond Politics: A Commitment to National Interests
The signing of the UDA-ODM agreement signaled a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political history, with both leaders demonstrating a willingness to set aside personal ambitions for the greater good of the nation.
President Ruto emphasized that the agreement was not about power-sharing or electoral gains but about addressing the country’s pressing issues collectively.
“This arrangement is not about sharing positions or winning elections; it is about prioritizing the interests of Kenyans. It’s time we close ranks as a country,” he asserted.
The President acknowledged that Kenya had often been held back by politically expedient decisions rather than bold, transformative leadership.
He stressed the need for pragmatic governance that prioritizes the welfare of citizens over political maneuvering.
“We haven’t made the steps and decisions that would make this country great because we have been making politically correct decisions,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency of reforms.
A Roadmap for the Future: Implementing the Nadco Report
Looking ahead, Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report.
He assured Kenyans that the government would take concrete steps to address critical national challenges, including the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, and gender inclusion.
“We commit to implementing the Nadco report to address key national issues,” Ruto stated, expressing optimism that the agreement would serve as a foundation for long-term political stability and economic progress.
The signing of the framework agreement between UDA and ODM is expected to usher in a new era of cooperation, bridging Kenya’s historically deep political divisions.
For many, the event marks not just a political realignment but a significant step towards national reconciliation and collective problem-solving.
As Kenya moves forward, the collaboration between President Ruto and Raila Odinga could redefine the country’s political landscape, setting a precedent for future generations of leaders to prioritize unity and development over partisanship.
Share This Post